Gov. Jay Nixon has appointed a former Republican state lawmaker to the Missouri Veterans' Commission.

Chuck Wooten is a World War II veteran from Nixa who served five terms in the Missouri House.

The commission provides information to veterans and their families about their rights and helps them obtain state and federal benefits. It also oversees skilled nursing facilities for veterans and veteran cemeteries.

Nixon announced Wooten's appointment Wednesday. If confirmed by the state Senate, he would serve until November 2015.